Lawnton Archives - Albany Creek News

Tense Scene in Lawnton: Three Arrested in Specialist Police Operation

Earlier this week, Empire Street in Lawnton was plunged into a tense lockdown as specialist police carried out a significant operation.

Read: Lawnton Mother Dies After E-Scooter Accident

The lockdown left some local residents uneasy, as law enforcement remained tight-lipped about the situation, citing “operational reasons” for their lack of further details. The operation, which took place early in the day, saw police swarm the area, reportedly looking for a man wanted for a series of serious offences.

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

According to law enforcement, the suspect was being sought in connection with property and firearm-related crimes. The atmosphere was charged with uncertainty as residents were left unaware of the full scope of the investigation.

At just before 11:00 a.m, police successfully arrested one man, while another was treated for an arm injury at the scene. Ultimately, three individuals were taken into custody. The arrested parties included a 21-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman, and a 26-year-old woman.

While one of the men arrested was seen in the court records facing several serious charges, including possessing a weapon, stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and two counts of receiving tainted property, his case was adjourned after being mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court last Wednesday.

Police have not released further information about the investigation. The operation involved multiple specialist police units, and local detectives have been actively assisting with the ongoing case. While many questions remain unanswered, local residents are left hoping for more clarity in the days to come.

Read: WWII Medals Found in Strathpine Returned on Soldier’s Death Anniversary

The heavy police presence in Lawnton has prompted concerns about the nature of the ongoing investigation, with residents anxiously awaiting updates. While law enforcement continues to manage the situation, questions about the nature of the crimes and the individuals involved linger, keeping residents in a state of suspense.

Published 2-January-2025

Lawnton Mother Dies After E-Scooter Accident

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

A Lawnton mother has tragically lost her life following an e-scooter accident. Naomi Harling, a devoted mother of two, suffered critical head injuries after falling from her e-scooter when its front wheel struck a damaged section of pavement.

Despite the best efforts of medical professionals at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Ms Harling’s life support was turned off on 26 October. Her sister, Renee Chaplin, expressed deep sorrow and shock at the sudden loss.

Chaplin said Naomi was a loving and caring mother who always prioritised her children. She added that it was heartbreaking to think she’s gone too soon.

Chaplin also emphasised the importance of wearing a helmet while riding an e-scooter, stating that this tragedy might have been prevented if Naomi had been wearing one.

Local authorities have reminded riders of the importance of adhering to road safety rules, including wearing helmets and observing speed limits.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Ms Harling’s family, particularly her young children. The funds raised will assist with funeral costs and ongoing financial support.

Published Date 05-November-2024

Lawnton Flood Victim Despairs Over Soaring Home Insurance Costs

A Lawnton resident who was affected negatively by two devastating floods is now facing a new challenge – skyrocketing home insurance costs.

Read: Million-Dollar Ticket Bought from Lawnton Shop, Winner Still Unknown

The local woman, who suffered from both the 2011 and 2022 floods, revealed that her premium has jumped from $5,900 to $39,186, representing an over 500 percent increase from the previous year.

She expressed dismay that the rate is now drastically higher than her annual income, questioning how she could possibly afford a $30,000 rise in her home insurance premium.

An insurance expert explained that unfortunately, stories like this are becoming more common as some insurers opt to exit certain high-risk markets altogether.

A representative for the Insurance Council of Australia said that insurance affordability and availability are the top priorities for the industry right now. He urged the government to allocate more funding towards resilience initiatives that would help reinforce homes and make them better able to withstand natural disasters.

The massive premium increases are leaving many residents uninsured and exposed, according to the spokesperson. He explained that insurance rates are based on risk, and the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather is making policies unaffordable for a lot of people, particularly those living in flood-prone areas.

On top of the impact of natural disasters, rising inflation and the escalating cost of reinsurance purchased by insurance companies themselves are also contributing factors behind the surging premiums, the spokesman noted.

Read: Albany Creek Law Firm Backs Cancer Council’s Free Will Service

As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, stories like this Lawnton resident’s plight may grow more commonplace. With insurance premiums skyrocketing out of reach for many homeowners, especially in high-risk areas, a collaborative approach between insurers, government, and communities will be needed to find solutions.

Published 11-January-2024